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32 - Jpts 2020 015
32 - Jpts 2020 015
32 - Jpts 2020 015
Original Article
Mohamed Salaheldein Alayat, PhD, PT1)*, K adrya Hosney Battecha, PhD, PT1),
Ahmed Mohamed ELsodany1), Mohamed Ibrahim Ali1)
1) Faculty
of Applied Medical Science, Umm Al-Qura University: 4888 Bathaa Qurish, Mecca 21955,
Saudi Arabia
Abstract. [Purpose] To investigate the effect of pulsed Nd:YAG laser combined with the progressive pressure
release technique (PPRT) and exercises in the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with myo-
fascial pain syndrome (MPS). [Participants and Methods] A total of 50 patients with MTrPs in the upper trapezius
muscle participated in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups and treated with laser plus
PPRT (Laser + PPRT group) or placebo laser and exercises (PL + PPRT group). The laser was applied for eight
MTrPs with a 50 J/point. PPRT was applied for 30 seconds for each point. Exercises included strengthening and
stretching exercises applied three times per week for four weeks. A visual analogue scale (VAS) and pressure pain
threshold (PPT) were used to measure pain and pain threshold, respectively. A cervical range of motion device
(CROM) was used to measure the cervical range of motion. [Results] Both treatment groups showed significant
improvement in CROM, PPT, and VAS post-treatment with a more significant effect in the Laser + PPRT group
compared to the PL + PPRT group. [Conclusion] PPRT and exercises alone or that in combination with laser therapy
were effective in the treatment of active MTrPs in patients with MPS.
Key words: Myofascial pain syndrome, Progressive pressure release, Pulsed Nd:YAG laser
(This article was submitted Feb. 4, 2020, and was accepted Apr. 3, 2020)
INTRODUCTION
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common clinical syndrome characterized by hypersensitive areas of pain in the
muscle and fascia caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs)1). MTrPs are recognized as focal, discrete, stiff, and hyperirri-
table spots of tender points, represented as small swelling nodules during palpation of the affected muscle. On compression, it
can inflict pain, tenderness, and motor dysfunction2), which is believed to be the result of hyper-contracture of the sarcomere
in this area3). MPS treatment is accomplished by inactivating the MTrPs and restoring normal body biomechanics to the
greatest possible extent4). Manual techniques are currently used to treat MTrPs, including an acupressure type massage as
well as using physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound5) and laser6, 7).
The recent use of pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser therapy for musculoskeletal disor-
ders proved its efficacy in reducing inflammation8, 9) and pain6, 7, 10). The Nd:YAG laser provides high power (3,000 W) at a
1,064 nm wavelength that penetrates deeper than low-level lasers, and it is postulated that it has a photothermal, photochemi-
cal, and photomechanical effects11–13).
The progressive pressure release technique (PPRT) is believed to normalize the length of the sarcomere to MTrPs, soften-
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ing the felt knot and inactivating the MTrPs that cause taut bands and pain, causing ischemia followed by reactive hyperemia
in the MTrPs14). Application of the Nd:YAG laser to this taut band may relieve pain and increase the efficiency of the PPRT.
Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Nd:YAG laser combined with the progressive pressure release
technique (PPRT) and exercises in the treatment of MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle in MPS.
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above the nose bridge. Each patient was instructed to move the head within the pain-free range. The angular displacement in the
lateral inclinometer reflects the flexion and extension range. The in-front inclinometer measured the lateral bending to the right
and/or left. The CROM can measure rotation to both sides of the neck in the horizontal plane by the above-head inclinometer18)
with the magnet strapped around the patient’s shoulder19). The CROM device is considered a valid and reliable measuring tool
for cervical range of motion18, 19). The VAS, PPT, and CROM were evaluated before and after 4 weeks of treatment.
The analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 16 (SPSS Inc.,
Chicago, IL, USA). A paired t-test analyzed patient demographic data, VAS, PPT, and CROM. An independent t-test performed
Pre-Post treatment comparison in each treatment group. For multiple comparisons, Bonferroni correction was performed for the
p-value for each t-test. The corrected p-value is shown in Tables 2, 3. Values of p<0.05 were deemed significant.
RESULTS
A total of 50 patients volunteered to participate in this study. Their mean age, weight, height, and duration of illness
were: 28.08 (4.8) years, 72.28 (8.7) kg, 170.55 (3.9) cm, 24.69 (3.2) kg/m2, and 4.38 (1.04) months, respectively. To test the
homogeneity of variance, the Kolmogoro-Smirnov normality test was performed, which revealed non-significant differences
in baseline mean values (p>0.01). There were no significant differences in the patients’ mean age, weight, height, BMI, and
duration of illness between both treatment groups (Table 1). The baseline values of CROM, VAS, and PPT showed non-
significant differences between the two treatment groups. Both treatment groups showed significant improvement in CROM
and PPT, with a significant reduction in VAS score post-treatment as compared to baseline values, with a more significant
effect in the Laser + PPRT group as compared to the PL + PPRT group (Tables 2, 3).
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
None.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors express their appreciation to all doctors in the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Applied Medi-
cal Science College, Umm AL-Qura University, Saudi Arabia for their invaluable assistance and continues support.
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